By Amy Batista, Special Writer
The 63rd New Jersey National Guard Army Band educated, entertained and inspired at the Bordentown Regional High School on July 2.
The band performs concerts throughout the state for the public as well as military ceremonies, according to Chief Warrant Officer 3 Durinda Garrison.
”We are the governor’s band,” Chief Warrant Officer 3 Garrison said, adding that the band has performed during the governor’s inauguration.
Mayor Stephen Benowitz said he was honored to share the stage with the band. He noted the band has 25 members.
”This is one of many events that we have held this year to give our residents the sense of community that they so richly deserve,” Mayor Benowitz said.Local dignitaries, hometown heroes and a bugler were recognized during the concert along with the many veterans who were in attendance. Sgt. Jaime Grater served as announcer for the evening, introducing songs and providing background on the musical numbers performed throughout the evening. Chief Warrant Officer 3 Garrison led the band.
Throughout the evening, audience members, especially veterans, could be heard singing along and shouting “hoorah” at times and seen rising to stand as they were moved by the songs.
”America the Beautiful” was originally composed by Samuel Augustus Ward in 1882. The band performs a different rendition of the song, narrated by Staff Sgt. Dexter Hendrix.
After introducing himself as the flag of the United States of America, Staff Sgt. Dexter Hendrix said, “When your daddy saw me coming, he immediately removed his hat and placed it against his left shoulder so that his hand was directly over his heart. What happened? I’m still the same old flag. Oh, I’ve added a few more stars since you were a boy, and a lot more blood has been shed since those parades of long ago. But now, somehow, I don’t feel as proud as I used to feel. When I come down the street, you just stand there with your hands in your pockets. You may give me a small glance, then you look away. I see children running around you shouting. They don’t seem to know who I am. I saw one man take his hat off, and when he didn’t see anyone else take off his or her hat, he quickly put his back on.”
He asked, “Have you forgotten what I stand for and where I’ve been?”
”God Bless the USA,” a patriotic song written and recorded by country music artist Lee Greenwood that gained prominence during the Gulf War in 1990-1991 as a way of boosting morale, was performed by Sgt. Richard Schwartz.
Throughout the evening, band members moved around the stage to highlight different styles of music for the audience including performing as the “Minute Men” while singing numbers by Duke Ellington, Frank Sinatra, and more. The band also performed as “Article 15” to pay tribute to some of today’s hottest country artists and bands. The commander’s daughter, Amanda, also joined the performance and played the fiddle.
As the concert was concluding, Mayor Benowitz presented Chief Warrant Officer 3 Garrison, who accepted the gift on behalf of the commander, a key to the township.
”All I can say is America’s got talent,” the mayor said. “I want you back again next year. You are always welcome in Bordentown Township — ‘The Crossroads of The Heart of New Jersey.’”
Following the presentation of the key, Sgt. Schwartz performed “American Soldier,” a country song written and recorded by Toby Keith.
”I can’t call in sick on Mondays when the weekend’s been too strong,” he sang. “I just work straight through the holidays and sometimes all night long. You can bet that I stand ready when the wolf growls at the door. Hey, I’m solid, hey I’m steady, hey, I’m true down to the core.”
”In honor of our men and women serving and who have served in our armed forces throughout the world and their families we will be playing the service songs,” Sgt. Grater said. “Feel free to stand, clap, or cheer when you hear your favorite song.”
Veterans and their families stood as each branch of the military’s song was played, with the army having the largest representation.
”I am totally in awe,” Mayor Benowitz said. “I was almost speechless. Almost I am never speechless. This is the start of our Fourth of July Celebration.”
Local hometown hero Lt. Col. Jeff Eget said the army song was the highlight of the concert for him.
”I like the eclectic blend of different music genres they played,” said Lt. Col. Eget.
Chief Warrant Officer Garrison noted it was a “great venue.”
”It was our first time here,” she said.
The band is stationed in Sea Girt.
”The music that we pick is to cover a huge genre so that anybody who comes here to hear us perform will find something that they like and that is why we do show tunes, traditional marches, patriotic, big band swing, funk, rock, and country.”
The band also played highlights from Disney’s “Frozen.”
The band is seeking new musicians.
”We are always looking for new musicians,” she said.
”We are soldiers first,” she said. “We are required to maintain our fitness standard as well as qualify on our weapon each year and keep up our warrior leadership tasks.”
Band members receive a professional grade level instrument, she said.
For more information about auditioning for the band, contact Staff Sgt. Kencis Kleinschmidt at 307-258-0138 or at Kensic.l.kleinschmidt.mil@mail.mil.
College students receive a tuition-free education for participating in New Jersey Institutes of Higher Learning. Visit New Jersey National Guard at www.NJARMYGUARD.com for additional information.
